Fire Fighting and Ordinary Standby Generator Sets

What is the difference between a fire backup diesel generator set and a regular backup generator set?

1. Fire-fighting standby generator sets must be equipped with automatic start and switchover functions. When the mains power fails under special circumstances, the unit must start immediately, generate electricity and close the switch within 30 seconds (adjustable). When the mains power supply returns to normal, the generator set should also stop generating electricity and open the switch within 30 seconds (adjustable) to allow the mains power to supply normally.

2. Fire-fighting standby generator sets mainly supply power to fire pumps, so their power is relatively large. The general configuration should be that the power of the generator set is three times that of the fire pump. Such a configuration can ensure that the fire pump can start normally in an emergency.

3.It is best to choose diesel generator sets produced by regular manufacturers for fire-fighting standby purposes to ensure that they can truly serve as fire emergency generator sets.

What Are Fire-Fighting Power Supply and Standby Power Supply?

Fire-fighting power supply: The automatic fire alarm system should use a separate circuit power supply and cannot share lines with power or lighting lines (general loads) for other purposes; instead, they should be set separately. For Class I buildings, the two power supplies should automatically switch at the last-level distribution box.

The main power supply is the normal power supply for the automatic fire alarm system, so its voltage deviation should be within the allowable range of the fire alarm controller; otherwise, voltage regulation measures need to be adopted. The main power supply usually uses AC 380V/220V. For the main power supply capacity, when the number of detection zones in the alarm system is less than 10, it should be considered that all circuits are in the alarm state; when the number of detection zones is more than 10, it should be considered that 20% of the detection zones (but not less than 10) are in the alarm state, and the rest are in the monitoring state. It should work continuously for 4 hours. The following matters should be noted for main power supply wiring:

The structure and devices of the fire power distribution panel and the internal connecting wires should preferably use fire-resistant and heat-resistant cables and wires; if not possible, their installation positions should be avoided as much as possible from places vulnerable to fire, and fire-proof and heat-insulating measures should be taken for the structure of their installation parts.

Fire power supply distribution lines should comply with the following regulations: ① Fire-resistant cables and wires should be preferred; ② When non-fire-resistant cables and wires are used, they should be protected by metal pipes (except for cables with insulation and sheaths made of non-flammable materials laid in cable wells); ③ When non-fire-resistant cables are laid concealedly, they should be laid in non-combustible structures, and the protective layer thickness should not be less than 3cm; when laid openly, fire-proof measures such as applying fire-proof coatings should be taken on the metal pipes, with a fire resistance time of not less than 1.5 hours.

Standby power supply: The standby power supply must be a DC power supply, preferably a dedicated battery and charging device supporting the fire alarm controller. There should be an automatic switching measure between the main power supply and the DC standby power supply: when the main power supply is cut off, it can automatically switch to the DC standby power supply; when the main power supply is restored, it can automatically switch back to the main power supply. The main power supply should have a working status indicator and overcurrent protection measures. Due to the difference between the main power supply and the DC standby power supply, the former is generally connected to the mains with a voltage of 380V/220V, and the latter is mostly connected to a dedicated battery with a voltage of 24V. Therefore, insulation and reliable safety isolation measures must be taken between the two.

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